WSJ reveals where North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine now
Archive photo: Media found out where the North Korean soldiers captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region are now (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
Two North Korean soldiers captured in January in the Kursk region are currently receiving medical treatment. They are testifying about North Korea's involvement in the war on Russia's side, The Wall Street Journal reports.
According to the media resource, these two soldiers arrived in Russia last fall along with 12,000 other North Korean military. They were ordered to help Moscow regain control over the Kursk region.
After being captured, they were taken to a prison in Kyiv. 21-year-old Paek and 26-year-old Ri - are now undergoing treatment for injuries and giving testimony to officials.
"Paek is wounded in both legs. Ri is being treated for a severely injured arm and can barely speak after a Ukrainian bullet pierced his arm and part of his jaw," the article states.
According to North Koreans, they knew nothing about the war they were sent to fight in. When they arrived in Russia, they were given weapons and told they would be facing South Koreans who were helping Ukraine. However, within days, they found themselves on the front lines in the Kursk region, fighting against Ukrainians.
At the same time, they were ordered to avoid capture at all costs and to detonate themselves if necessary.
In early January, a North Korean unit of 10 soldiers, including Paek, was tasked with blocking a strategic road used by Ukrainian forces. During the operation, the unit came under fire from artillery and drones, leaving Paek wounded and unconscious.
Five days later, he was captured by Ukrainian special forces, who provided first aid and food. However, due to gangrene, several of his toes had to be amputated. That same day, Ri was also captured - the only survivor after a failed assault on Ukrainian positions.
"At least five North Korean bodies lay next to him (Ri - ed.) in the forest," the article states, "where he was found in critical condition after being wounded in the arm and jaw."
Both Paek and Ri admitted that returning to North Korea, where surrendering is considered treason, could be dangerous for them.
Ukrainian forces capture North Korean soldiers
On January 11, reports emerged that the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. Among other things, the North Koreans spoke about significant losses among their contingent.
Previously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published a video of the captured soldiers' interrogations. One North Korean soldier said that after being wounded, he spent nearly a week alone on the battlefield before being rescued by Ukrainian troops. Zelenskyy also offered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the opportunity to take back the captured soldiers - but under certain conditions.
Recently, one of the captured North Korean soldiers revealed that North Korean troops were transported to Russia by ferry and then by train. They were kept in complete informational isolation.
